Let’s enjoy some eye candy courtesy of VBH

It’s been a hard day of economic realities and art criticism around here, so why not ease into the afternoon with something obviously beautiful like the VBH Brera Croc Quilted Handbag? You know you want to.

VBH require a viewing in person if possible, because they’re gorgeous in a way similar to that of Hermes bags – it’s hard to capture it accurately in a stock photo. Because I’m close to the flagship Barneys in New York, I’ve gotten a chance to play with a few of the brand’s limited edition crocodile Brera bags, including a sublime ivory version, but this is the one that I’m digging the most right now; the fact that it doesn’t approach real croc’s five-figure price tag is just a bonus.

I much prefer quilted faux croc to the stamped or embossed alternative for a few reasons. First and foremost, it doesn’t look exactly like the real thing, but instead it stands out as an interesting artistic approximation. Faux exotics will always fail at being a perfect copy of regular exotics, so choosing an attractive method that doesn’t aim for exact visual replication is a smart move. This quilting shows how much precise work goes into this kind of bag and it adds a ton of texture, but it doesn’t make the design any less neutral or significantly more expensive than plain black leather. To me, that sounds like victory all around. Buy through Neiman Marcus for $3650.

*drool* I love every rendition of the Brera that I’ve seen- THEY are my HG. I couldn’t have designed a better bag to fit my style and personality. I’d LOVE to see a WIHB for someone carrying this!

http://www.purseblog.com/ Amanda Mull

I’m an inveterate Brera devotee as well. They’re just…perfection. Hopefully we’ll be able to photograph someone with one!

mochababe73

I am not a fan of this version, but I LOVE VBH. Since I’ve moved to Virginia, I am now a mere short bus or train ride to NYC. I can’t wait for my first shopping trip there.
If I couldn’t get an Hermes, VBH would be a great second choice.

nappy

i’d rather buy a Nancy Gonzales real croc with almost the same price tag than this..

Yve

IMHO Nancy Gonzalez is great, but not croc. It is caimans cuscus. VBH is greater on another level.

Yve

IMHO Nancy Gonzalez is great, but not croc. It is caiman fuscus. VBH is greater on another level.

tmm

I think VBH bags are exquisite. I bought a grey/purple/python clutch this year made by VBH and I love it.